England's pack produced a powerful display as they began their Six Nations campaign with victory against reigning Grand Slam champions Wales.

Tries from Mark Cueto and Lewis Moody gave England a 15-10 lead, with Martyn Williams replying for Wales.

Mike Tindall scored England's third try after the break before three late scores saw the home side pull away.

Lawrence Dallaglio and Matt Dawson both went over from late scrums before Tom Voyce rounded things off.

Wales had not won at Twickenham since 1988 and, although England's backs continued to look some way short of the highest level at times, the world champions' overall power was enough to subdue the visitors.

First, Hodgson slotted a long-range penalty before Moody scored from a driving maul which rumbled through the Wales defence.

Wales hit back after 34 minutes when livewire scrum-half Dwayne Peel cut through from a line-out and Martyn Williams was in support to claim the try, with Stephen Jones converting.

Two Hodgson penalties, to one from Stephen Jones, made it 21-13 after 55 minutes, with Wales a man down after Martyn Williams was sin-binned.

The sin-binning of Martyn Williams was a crucial moment

Wales coach Mike Ruddock

Thanks to their forwards, England were winning plenty of ball, and, although the backs were not always clicking, the hosts extended their lead when Tindall finished off a move which went three-quarters the length of the field.

Hodgson missed the conversion but was on target when Dallaglio marked his recall to England colours by powering through Stephen Jones from the base of a five-metre scrum.